Day two of Uddan ’08 saw the energy, enthusiasm and excitement at this mega event soar to great heights! With well over two thousand youngsters filling the quadrangle of Don Bosco Matunga, the Mela lived up to its reputation of being one of Mumbai’s biggest annual events for street kids. The day also witnessed the release of the book ‘Children in Adult Garb’ by Fr. Barnabe D’Souza. The book was released by well known Member of Parliament Ms. Priya Dutt. She spent a good amount of time at the Mela, going around meeting the children and the organizers. Ms. Dutt was accompanied by another renowned parliamentarian, Mr. Eknath Gaikwad. Addressing the children Mr. Gaikwad told them to face life boldly and not to give up the struggle till they have achieved their dreams. Several other dignitaries dropped into the Mela at various times of the day. One such personality, who got the kids clapping and dancing, was the celebrated singer Shan of the “Sa Re Ga Ma” TV Show. The children too put up several dances and other cultural items. As the Mela closed and the youngsters slowly drifted out of the campus, the ‘Diwali glow’ was clearly visible on their faces. As Mumbai celebrates the ‘festival of lights’, Uddan has certainly done its bit to brighten up the lives and the future of the poor and marginalized boys living on the streets of this city.

The day that every street kid in Mumbai eagerly looks forward to has arrived! Since the past 24 hours the quadrangle of Don Bosco Matunga is swelling with kids, youngsters and adults. ‘Uddan 2008’ – the repackaged traditional Annual Diwali Mela organized by Shelter Don Bosco, has just set Mumbai ablaze! The inauguration ceremony was held yesterday at 11.30 am with Minister Chagan Bujbal as Chief Guest and Fr. Michael Fernandes, Provincial, as Guest of Honour. After the cerrmonial lamp was lit by the dignitaries on the dais, Fr. Michael Fernandes welcomed the children and the guests. He reiterated that Don Bosco stands by every child in distress and that any street kid in the city who is in need of care can walk into the Shelter at any part of the day or night. He further added that the Diwali Mela had reinvented itself with a focus on careers for the disadvantaged. He invited the youngsters present to take advantage of the opportunities being made available through this Mela. Speaking next, Minister Chagan Bhujbal said that unfortunately there were many NGOs who “say much but do little”. However, here at Uddan he experience a difference, he could see “words in action all around”. He too encouraged the children to look at their future seriously. With the inauguration over, the Mela moved on at a feverish pitch. A heady mix of masti and music ensured that the kids had a great time through the day. Several celebrities dropped into the Mela at various times – Additional Commissioner of Police Mr. Sadanand Date, as also actors Boman Irani, Malika Arora and Amrita Arora. A large number of Salesians from the Mumbai Province and various parts of India mingled cheerfully with the kids. Scores of volunteers moved around briskly organizing the stalls, the games, the eats and the what-have-you. Clearly everyone was having a great time! The Mela is not yet over and ‘Day Two’ promises to be even more fascinating. We’ll keep you informed…!

Maria Ashiana De-Addiction and Therapeutic Centre, hosted a Free Medical Health Camp at its premises on August 30. Doctors and Student-residents from Dr. D. Y. Patil Homeopathic Medical College, Pimpri examined the boys and girls, numbering about seventy five, starting at 9 am and ending at 2 pm Three local NGOs, Snehasadan, Manshakti and Bal Anand Gram also participated in this event along with their wards.

Shweta Nagpurkar, corporate psychologist and trainer who is associated with Maria Ashiana initiated this venture along with Dr. Dharmendra Sharma, Principal of the Homeopathic College. The staff and boys at Maria Ashiana made every effort to make this event a memorable possibility. The doctors provided free medication and treated the children with great compassion and responsibility.

The Doctors were highly impressed with the entire organizational effort and congratulated the Staff and boys at Maria Ashiana. Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Dr. Sofia Sheikh remarked: "Thanks for inviting us for such a camp. It is our first experience with such children. Normally we don't interact with the boys and girls found at railway stations or bus-depots, but after this experience we have realized that such medical check-ups are very much needed for these poor children." Dr. Manish Arya, Dr Deepali Ingle and Dr Indrajeet Shah of the teaching faculty who accompanied the team of doctors too appreciated the type of work being done at Maria Ashiana. Dr Arya said: "Hopefully, you will invite us in future too. Thanks for this wonderful experience. We are touched by the hospitality and the preparations. Moreover the boys are very affectionate."

The boys and girls too liked the doctor uncles and didis, who listened to them and gave medicines free. Some of them said: "Acchae doctor log hain… bade pyaar se hamara ilaaj kiya." The doctors were visibly moved after this interaction and volunteered to come back more often on a personal visit. Mens sana incorporae sana…. Maria Ashiana has managed to pass on this message to the other local NGOs as well, by organizing Doctor-Doctor!

Shelter Don Bosco Karjat began an entirely new chapter in its history on Sunday, August 31, with the launching of the Lamprell Work2LivE programme. The first batch of sixteen boys, all living earlier on the streets, enrolled for this training programme and pledged that they would now make a fresh beginning in their lives.

The Chief Guest for this simple yet solemn inaugural function that began at 4.00 pm was Mr. Ed Lancaster, Lamprell Head of H.R. He was accompanied by Mr. Jim Henderson, Senior Training Manager; Mr. Garry Scott, Senior Safety Manager; and Mr. Tom Sellars, Lamprell Manager in India. Also present for the occasion were Ms. Roswitha Maus, Projects Manager of Jugend Dritte Welt, Germany; Fr. Anaclete D'Mello, Provincial Economer; and Fr. Adolph Furtado of DBIT Kurla.

As a symbol of their enrollment into this programme, the boys were presented with overalls, safety boots and helmets. A few moments later, dressed in the Lamprell uniforms, they received their ID Cards and then took a solemn pledge: "I will take responsibility for my life by setting a goal for myself and strive hard towards reaching it. I will uphold the high standards of Lamprell by maintaining safety first, quality in work and personal discipline." Mr. Tom Sellars who received the pledge, responded to them saying: "Gentlemen, Lamprell is proud to be associated with you." He then declared the "Lamprell Work2LivE Programme at Karjat open."

The boys then put up a short programme comprising two 'Advertisements' and a skit depicting how a boy living on the streets decides to give up that type of life and joins the Lamprell programme. Finally, the chief guest Mr. Ed Lancaster, who is on his first visit to India, addressed the gathering. He expressed his great satisfaction at the Lamprell Don Bosco tie-up and opined that this joint venture would enable a large number of disadvantaged youngsters build up good futures for themselves. The programme came to a close with Fr. Xavier Devadas proposing the vote of thanks.

Shouts of encouragement, an ambient of camaraderie and the blaring of loud music was reason enough to know that the boys and staff at Maria Ashiana De-Addiction and Therapeutic Centre, Lonavla were up to something out of the extraordinary, more than the normal. With great enthusiasm and pumped up energy, the festival of Janmashtami or Dahi Handi was celebrated on August 24. The rang-birangi mahaul had everyone out in the open with the sure-footed youngsters vying to reach the handi. Undaunted by the many deterrents, the boys lived it up with cheerful glee.

Later in the evening, the boys and staff participated in a similar function organized by the Manshakti Foundation, Lonavla. Various other NGOs also took part in the festivities besides Maria Ashiana. The evening consisted of informative sessions that dealt with topics such as Peace, Unity and Progress of Humankind with reference to the life of Krishna. Mr Chandrakant Sansare of Manshakti Foundation and Ms Amruta, a freelance Social Worker addressed the boys and girls. The children were treated to an entertainment session comprising games, eats and of course the breaking of the Dahi Handi.

The following day, August 25, Mr Chandrakant Sansare a resource volunteer with Manshakti, accompanied by Mr. Mahesh Dalvi and Mr. Balu Kawde visited Maria Ashiana and interacted with the staff and the boys. Addressing the boys in Marathi, Mr. Sansare spoke about personality development and the need to educate oneself with special focus on improvement of mental concentration. Making use of different materials to attract the attention of the boys, he also conducted a therapeutic session, commonly referred to as Light Therapy. The boys listened with rapt attention and asked questions clarifying their doubts. Chocolates and sweets distributed to the boys at the end of the session, reaffirmed that all’s well that ends well!

Many of the boys, as also the staff, were very impressed with the informative session. Some of the boys remarked: “Bada achha laga… agar hum nischay ke saath kadam uthaayein toh zindagi mein bahut kuch kar saktein hain;” “Thank you… aise programme se humein bahut madat milta hai.” Sunshine or incessant rains, Maria Ashiana continues to rock on…!!

It was definitely a significant moment when the Scouts of Don Bosco High School paid a visit to Maria Ashiana De-Addiction and Therapeutic Centre, Lonavla on August 20. They had a short informal orientation session organized by the Staff at Maria Ashiana, comprising Mr Francis, Mr Daniel, Ms Komal and Ms Kavita. The Scouts were visibly moved to learn about their underprivileged brothers and the many problems they have to rough out on the streets. They asked questions and clarified their doubts too. There was also time given for one-to-one interaction. Many of the Scouts had brought along with them some eatables and toiletries for the boys at Maria Ashiana. The interactive session concluded with a group photograph. Cl Rickson Fernandes, the Scoutmaster, who planned this exposure visit, says: “It is good that these boys who come from well-to-do families learn about the stark realities of society. If not now, then they will never realize that such boys also exist.” Some of the Scouts were shocked, while others were left speechless. Some of them said: “This is an eye-opener for me,” “These boys are my age, yet they have faced so many problems and difficulties, now I will go and thank my parents,” “Thanks for making me aware of the situation and experiences of these boys, now I will not tease them or shout at them when I come across them at Railway Stations or in trains.”

While the weather gods continue to play hide ’n seek up above, the sun is surely smiling down on Maria Ashiana, with every passing day bringing cheer and happiness…!! Really God, Tussi Great Ho….!!

The recently held Vienna NGOs Committee Forum employed an intense preparatory process engaging civil society by holding 13 consultations in which 500 National NGOs and 65 International NGOs from 116 countries participated. This process helped bring NGO contribution to the ongoing formulation of the World Drug Policy.

The outcome of "Beyond 2008" has been a Declaration and three Resolutions adopted by consensus by all the participants of the Vienna Forum held from July 7 to 9, 2008. These will be presented to the Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Drug Demand Reduction when it meets in September 2008 to prepare for the High Level Segment of the 52nd session of CND. The Declaration and Resolutions have been formally submitted to the Chair of the 52nd session of CND, the President of INCB and the Executive Director of UNODC.

The Forum has achieved a remarkable result, drawing on the rich diversity of philosophy and experience available within the NGO community to produce a shared set of recommendations. This is, however, only the start. Each NGO has committed to take forward at local, national and international levels these resolutions and through "Beyond 2008" to give voice to individuals, families and communities impacted by drug use and drug policies for the purpose of promoting the development and implementation of more effective policies, programs and practices.

Rev. Dr. Barnabe D'Souza sdb from Shelter Don Bosco, Mumbai, India played a key role in the Forum representing the South Asia Region. He along with Dr. Khazi Alam of the Dhaka Ashiana Mission, Bangladesh, made a joint presentation on the recommendations of the South Asian Region consultation and posited some very tangible future goals to the Beyond 2008 Forum. It was interesting to see the commonalities that all the regions of the world had in their presentations. These were followed by very engaging discussions to formulate the Declaration and Resolutions that were presented to the CND, INCB and Executive Director of the UNODC

While on a trip to India Greg Kane met Fr.Barnabe who invited him to visit Maria Ashiana the therapeutic centre at Lonavla. Just being with the children, spending time talking with them, sharing their experiences and the simple things they did in their daily lives brought Greg a lot of joy. He enjoyed hearing from their co-coordinators about the local treks they did and being a nature lover & enjoying the outdoors himself he envisioned the excitement that a professionally organized trek in Kashmir would bring to these innocent smiling faces. There was no wasting a single moment – Greg was motivated to go ahead with full zeal and spoke to his dear friend Colonel Ajay Shekhawat, Principal of the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports, Pahalgam who generously offered to host the camp. Greg spent the following weeks organizing equipment, transport, resources for all and before long he and his friends raised the funds to sponsor thirty five boys and four staff. With much excitement and a big train ride all headed north and the rest fell into place. The adventure course included rappelling, rock-climbing, yoga, learning to tie rope knots, tent pitching, trekking, camping, zip wiring, an army tank ride, interactive sessions on weapons, wars & mountaineering, visits to Bagli dam, temples, nearby schools and homes of the local community, lots of food, play and masti!!!! Greg said “my wish became a reality”. For the boys, it was something they never imagined or dreamed of, they did not want to return home because it was like being in heaven. The staff were thankful for the opportunity it gave them and the children. Colonel Ajay was happy to offer the experience to the boys and is looking forward to seeing some of them return to train as instructors. Fr. Barnabe deeply appreciated the support and caring that Greg and his team gave the boys and said that group camps have always been an integral part of the working methodology and are effective in promoting holistic development. Being together fosters quick learning and has a positive impact on the boys. Greg Kane and his team of friends have made a wonderful contribution to the children of Shelter Don Bosco.

An ‘Anti Drug Addiction Programme’ was organized by the Wadala Police on June 24, at Wadala East. A large number of students and several NGOs participated in the programme. Fifteen boys from Shelter Don Bosco performed a short but highly inspiring Street Play, highlighting the harmful effects of addiction. Over 600 people gathered around to watch this skit. The powerful message conveyed through this street play was greatly appreciated by the audience. A Social Worker present there was so impressed by the performance that she invited them to re-enact the play for a group of persons addicted to drugs. The Police who organized this event were also full of praise for the excellent performance put up by the Shelter boys.

Maria Ashiana Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Centre (a project of Shelter Don Bosco) celebrated the Closing Ceremony of the Education Month on June 23. At a well organized programme, which commenced with a Prayer-Song, the boys displayed their various skills and talents through dance, song, skits and poetry recitals. The theme chosen for the occasion was aptly titled “Kadam Kadam Badayenge, Naya Bhavishya Banayenge.” In keeping with the theme, the boys performed Amiri-Garibi, an introspective skit focusing on the need to be educated, while the song Ek Pal Ka Jeena, Ek Pal Hai Jaana had the boys grooving Hrithik ishtyle! A creative recital of a few nursery rhymes and an inspiring thought “Luck is not in our hand, but work is in our hand… Our work can bring us good luck” added life to the programme. A few boys also shared their experience at the Centre.

The Chief Guest for the evening was Justice Shri Ashok Agarwal, former Judge at Mumbai High Court and Retired Chief Justice of the Chennai High Court. He is presently the Chairman of the Pravesh Niyantran Samiti which regulates the admission to Private Medical Colleges and Higher Technical Institutions. He is also actively involved in working for the Scheduled Tribes and Castes dealing with displaced settlements. Speaking on the occasion he said: “I am very happy to see the many talents that you boys have. I am also very impressed with your creativity and your motivation to do well in life. May you enjoy success and don’t forget the many people who have helped you in this institution to develop your skills.” Justice Agarwal also distributed the Individual and Group prizes.

The highlights of the Education Month included among the usual daily routine, activities such as General Knowledge Quizzes; Sessions about various academic subjects; Learning through Posters and Charts with a token examination too thrown in to motivate the enthusiastic boys. The major achievement during this month was the teaching and learning of the basics of the English Language. Other subjects covered were Mathematics, Science and Hindi. This entire month was co-ordinated by Komal Kamble and Anthony Rajkumar with generous help from Vijaya, Francis, Nirmala, Kavita, Dama and Hirabai. Mr Matthewkutty, the programme co-ordinator at Maria Ashiana, was happiness personified at the successful completion of the Education Month, and expressed his desire to organize many more motivational programmes in the coming months. Indeed the staff and the boys at Maria Ashiana are on the right track echoing in unison “Kadam Kadam Badayenge, Naya Bhavishya Banayenge……”

Shelter Don Bosco organized its third consecutive Career Mela on Friday, June 20. The event was well attended by approximately 250 children living on the streets and 50 from the slum communities in the vicinity.

This month the mela attracted youth from the slums where Shelter conducts pavement classes. Also benefiting from the introduction to different work areas were children from the organization ‘Pratham’ (a leading NGO working in the field of education). Among the speakers at the event were Mr. S. Vijaykumar from Youth Christian Welfare who spoke about the diverse options available in Government enterprises and Mr. Majeet from Track Power who introduced the boys to a very different career option – as guides at adventure camps where they would be provided food and accommodation and where the basic job training would be paid by the camp organizers. The novelty of these inputs generated a lot of interest and ensured a captive audience. This event was covered by the regional press (both print and broadcast media) including E TV, Doordarshan and the Maharashtra Times.

This month’s mela witnessed a considerable turnout among street children who availed of the different facilities provided for them. 180 children made use of the facility for bathing while 64 children received medical check-ups and medicines from the team of visiting doctors from Sion Hospital. The others simply enjoyed watching the latest Hindi films and trying their luck at different games. The daily trials and tribulations of the streets were forgotten… even if only for a day!